Simon Pickvance obituary

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global/2012/dec/20/simon-pickvance-obituary

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Our brother Simon Pickvance, a pioneer in occupational health services, has died aged 63, two years after being diagnosed with mesothelioma – a legacy of working with asbestos in the building trade.

Simon was born in Birmingham, the third of four children of Quaker biologist parents, and went from King Edward's school to Christ's College, Cambridge, graduating in natural sciences. He started a PhD in molecular biology with the Nobel laureate Sydney Brenner but became disenchanted, joining the Radical Science Journal collective and becoming active in the British Society for Social Responsibility in Science. His life was changed by a trip to China, then under the Cultural Revolution, where he was inspired by "barefoot doctor" healthcare.

On returning, he joined a migration of Cambridge radicals to Sheffield, training as a bricklayer and working in a building co-operative, while helping develop an occupational health service based on listening to people in working men's clubs and GPs' waiting rooms. Supported by other radical scientists, trade union representatives and sympathetic GPs, the initiative attracted official funding (never secure), leading to the creation of the Sheffield Occupational Health Advisory Service, a model copied elsewhere.

The service has tackled numerous workplace diseases such as occupational asthma, obstructive lung diseases, hard metal disease and various cancers, and its shopfloor knowledge often challenges the official health and safety and occupational medicine establishments. It undertakes research, campaigning and individual casework, leading to the identification of hazards, changes in workplace practices and compensation for workers.

Simon became part of a worldwide community of activists and was unfailingly generous with his expertise. His work was recognised by national and international awards, but he was a quiet man and did not seek rewards.

An enthusiastic allotment gardener, Simon loved the natural world, particularly birds and wild flowers, walked in the Peak District and was an expert on edible fungi. He enjoyed music and had recently returned to choral singing.

For 28 years, Simon was the partner of Mandy Gamsu, a GP with whom he had three children, Sol, Bella and Benny. He was an endlessly patient, giving, adoring father and partner. He also had a wide circle of friends built up over decades in Sheffield and farther afield.

He is survived by Mandy, his children and us.